200 episodes
Secrets of Technology StarQuest Media
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- News
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4.8 • 47 Ratings
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Welcome to the Secrets of Technology from the Star Quest Production Network, your weekly look at the world of technology from a uniquely Catholic perspective. We’re not the usual tech news from New York or San Francisco. We’re creating conversations around technology topics that affect all of us, including social media, privacy, AI, the ubiquity of gadgets, parenting tech-savvy kids, and more.
Geek and gadget culture is mainstream in society at all age levels now more than ever. By exploring the intersection of faith and technology, we give you the tools to live your faith life and spirituality in harmony with the work of technology and media that you are immersed in.
But you don’t have to be Catholic or a believer to get something out of Secrets of Technology. Our regular panel will discuss the top tech stories, offer up technology tips and lessons, and give you our picks of the week for software, hardware, web sites, or information that will make you more productive, more entertained, more informed, and more secure.
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Christmas Gift Guide with Joanne and Fr. Cory
TEC237: It’s stocking stuffer time! Dom Bettinellli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha come up with a list of tech gifts perfect to put in those stockings hung by the chimney with care this Christmas.
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Joanne’s gift ideas:
* ORNARTO Protective Liquid Silicone Case Cover for AirPods Pro 2nd Generation with Lanyard
* Fintie Protective Case for Apple TV Siri Remote 2021
* Apple MagSafe Duo
* Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
Fr. Cory’s gift ideas:
* Chromecast with Google TV – Google Store
* Sony Playstation 4 Dual Shock 4 Controller
* Anker USB-C Car Charger, 67W 3-Port
Dom’s gift ideas:
* Wireless Switch Controller
* Olight Perun 2 Headlamp
* Bitty Boomers Star Wars The Mandalorian: Grogu with Santa Hat – Mini Bluetooth Speaker
Links for this episode:
* Anthony Levandowski Reboots Church of AI
* Live in Washington D.C.? You might be able to get free AirTags for your car
* Thieves return Android phone when they realize it’s not an iPhone
* Pope Francis encourages more children to code, especially in Catholic countries
* Sony removes Discovery Channel content from PlayStation Store
* Sony is about to remove over 1000 Discovery shows even if you’ve purchased them
* Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
* Join the conversation at the StarQuest Facebook page.
* Be part of the StarQuest Discord community at SQPN.com/discord
* Email us feedback or comments to technology@sqpn.com
Picks of the Week:
* Fr. Cory: reMarkable 2
* Joanne: ExpressVPN for AppleTV
* Dom: Airversa HomeKit Air Purifier over Thread
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A special message from StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli
StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli has a special message for listeners as we approach the Christmas season. We need to hear from you this Advent and Christmas at sqpn.com/give
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Christmas Gift Guide with Thomas and Jack
TEC236: On week 2 of our Christmas Gift Guide, Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini give some ideas of tech gifts that everyone from kids to grandparents would gladly receive. Plus, a look at the latest headlines and the picks of the week.
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Links for this episode:
Jack’s gift ideas
* iFixit Essential Electronics Toolkit
* Anker Prime 100W USB C GaN Wall Charger
* Steam Deck OLED
Thomas’s gift ideas
* Sharper Image Compact Sport Power Percussion Portable Deep Tissue Massager
* Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2
* Air Compression Back Stretching Mat (BM-AC105) – Homedics
* Toybox 3D Printer Deluxe Bundle
Dom’s gift ideas
* 30 Days Lost in Space Adventure Kit – InventrKits
* Apple HomePod mini
* Apple TV 4K
* Microsoft fixes the Excel feature that was wrecking scientific data – The Verge
* Tens of millions of teens want parents to track them, finds survey
* Sam Altman to return as OpenAI CEO after his tumultuous ouster | Reuters
* Atari acquires retro specialists Digital Eclipse in deal worth up to $20 million | PC Gamer
Headlines
* a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/secrets-of-technology/id1448897073? -
Christmas Gift Guide with Pat and Fr. Joseph
TEC235: It’s time again to start thinking about Christmas gifts, so Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Joseph Sund offer some gift ideas in the area of virtual and mixed reality entertainment and home automation. Plus news on UFOs, the Vision Pro social strategy, and why car radio is hanging on.
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Follow by Email | Listen to this episode and subscribe on YouTube.
Help us continue to offer Secrets of Technology. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today?
Links for this episode:
Pat’s gift ideas
* Meta Quest 3
* Meta Quest 2
* BOBOVR 3 head strap for Quest 3
* BOBOVR extra batteries
* Infrared red light for VR
* Quest hand grips (large hands)
* Quest hand grips (original)
* AMVR hand grips
Fr. Joseph’s gift ideas
* iRobot Braava Jet m6 6113 Ultimate Robot Mop
* 10 Pack Mop Pad Accessories for iRobot Braava jet
* Bona Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner Refill
* Eero 6+ mesh Wi-Fi router
* Echo Dot 5th gen
* GE Lighting Smart Home
Dom’s gift ideas
* Meross Smart Plug Mini (4-pack)
* SwitchBot Hub 2 (2nd Gen), work as a WiFi Thermometer and Hygrometer
* SwitchBot Smart Plug Mini 15A, Energy Monitor
Headlines
* UFOs: US is receiving dozens of reports a month, senior Pentagon official tells CNN | CNN Politics
* Social on Vision Pro is How Meta Should Have Approached it All Along
* People with CarPlay are mostly just listening to AM/FM radio – 9to5Mac
* Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
* Join the conversation at the StarQuest Facebook page.
* Be part of the StarQuest Discord community at SQPN.com/discord
* Email us feedback or comments to technology@sqpn.com
Picks of the Week:
* Fr. Joseph: rpilocator – Find Raspberry Pi Computers in Stock
* Pat: a class="easyazon-link" data-cart="n" data-cloak="y" data-identifier="B0B3HW6MPD" data-locale="US" data-localize="y" data-popups="n" data-tag="wwwsqpncom-20" href="https://sqpn. -
Must-Have Bare Minimum Smartphone Apps
TEC234: If you had to pare down the apps and features on your phone to the bare minimum, what would make the cut? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss their lists and criteria. Plus, AI and the dignity of work; the decline of remote work; and more.
Get all new episodes automatically and for free:
Follow by Email | Listen to this episode and subscribe on YouTube.
Help us continue to offer Secrets of Technology. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today?
Links for this episode:
* Weather Forecast and Weather Forecast Accuracy for Your City
* Tech Leaders Say AI Will Change What It Means to Have a Job
* American Work-From-Home Rates Drop to Lowest Since the Pandemic – BNN Bloomberg
* Android will now scan sideloaded apps for malware at install time | Ars Technica
* Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
* Join the conversation at the StarQuest Facebook page.
* Be part of the StarQuest Discord community at SQPN.com/discord
* Email us feedback or comments to technology@sqpn.com
Picks of the Week:
* Fr. Cory: 1-800 Contacts online prescription renewal
* Joanne: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
* Dom: EA Play on Steam
Want to Sponsor A Show?
Support StarQuest’s mission to explore the intersection of faith and pop culture by becoming a named sponsor of the show of your choice on the StarQuest network. Click to get started or find out more.
Disclaimer: Hosts, panelists, and guests may have a financial interest in the companies discussed through investments or other means. Their opinions and recommendations are not affected and do not present a conflict of interest. We offer this statement in the interest of full disclosure. -
Thrifty Tech Spending
TEC233: Every dollar counts these days and we want to be good stewards of our goods so Dom Bettinelli and Jack Baruzzini discuss their top tips and advice for sensible, thrifty spending on tech. Plus, New York’s rules for AirBnB and 3D printing and a billionaire’s new blimp.
Get all new episodes automatically and for free:
Follow by Email | Listen to this episode and subscribe on YouTube.
Help us continue to offer Secrets of Technology. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today?
Links for this episode:
* Certified Refurbished Products – Apple
* Back Market
* Swappa
* camelcamelcamel.com
* Honey
* Deals – CNET
* PriceGrabber.com
* Consumer Reports
* The Wirecutter
* EXCLUSIVE: Google Founder’s Airship Gets FAA Clearance – IEEE Spectrum
* New York’s Airbnb Ban Is Descending Into Pure Chaos | WIRED
* New York May Require a Background Check to Buy a 3D Printer
* Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
* Join the conversation at the StarQuest Facebook page.
* Be part of the StarQuest Discord community at SQPN.com/discord
* Email us feedback or comments to technology@sqpn.com
Picks of the Week:
* Jack: F-Droid – Free and Open Source Android App Repository
* Dom: Set up and use Savings in Apple Wallet
Want to Sponsor A Show?
Support StarQuest’s mission to explore the intersection of faith and pop culture by becoming a named sponsor of the show of your choice on the StarQuest network. Click to get started or find out more.
Disclaimer: Hosts, panelists, and guests may have a financial interest in the companies discussed through investments or other means. Their opinions and recommendations are not affected and do not present a conflict of interest. We offer this statement in the interest of full disclosure.
Customer Reviews
Appreciate differing perspectives
I left an original review about a year ago and gave 4 stars. Having listened to a whole year, I have raised my rating to 5 stars. Very few podcasts add chapters so it is easy to jump to different subjects — I must compliment Secrets of Technology for doing so. I definitely appreciate it especially as it will show in Apple’s CarPlay. As I was listening to the latest episode, one other aspect that I appreciated is that there are definitely news stories that I have not heard elsewhere but are interesting. As I mentioned in my original review, the podcast features a rotating diverse set of guests so while there is usually always one Apple fanboy, there are also those who favor Linux and Android. I look forward to every episode each week.
Wow - Wholesome and Helpful Tech advise and perspective
As a former techie who doesn't have the time to keep up with the latest and greatest, this podcast hits the high notes in a tasteful, non-cheezy yet light and good-natured way. I especially love how the catholic faith influences the show both including how to understand and apply new tech in light of the faith. I also like the different perspectives of the participants, and how Dom the moderator is charitable toward all.
Delightful and Great Computer / Technological Podcast
I love to listen to these podcasts, on my stereo, while driving.
The topics discussed help keep me up to date with technology, learn about cool new apps, and I enjoy/delight in--listening to a variety of other people--discuss their ideas and opinions about technological topics.
It's great to know there are computer enthusiasts with like-minds and common principles.